The fate of a proposed gold mine project in rural County Tyrone edges closer to resolution as a public inquiry slated for September approaches. Despite the looming inquiry, a group vehemently opposing the endeavor pledges to persist in its efforts regardless of the planning outcome.
Initiated in 2017 by Dalradian, a Canadian company, the project underwent revisions in 2019, notably discarding plans to utilize cyanide in the extraction process. The upcoming six-week public inquiry, overseen by the Planning Appeals Commission, will culminate in recommendations to the Department for Infrastructure regarding the project’s planning approval.
Situated in the Sperrin Mountains near Greencastle, Dalradian’s Curraghinalt site has been under development since 2009, with aspirations to establish an underground mine. The company projects a yield of 100 tonnes of gold over a 20-year lifespan, accompanied by significant quantities of copper and silver, promising the creation of 1,000 direct jobs.
However, opposition to the project has been formidable, amassing approximately 50,000 objections. The Save Our Sperrins group, formed in 2015, expresses concerns over the proposed alteration of the landscape, potential environmental ramifications, and the impact on local infrastructure, including rural roads traversed by heavy vehicles.
Fidelma O’Kane, a member of Save Our Sperrins, underscores the group’s commitment to contesting the project through legal avenues if necessary, emphasizing their dedication to protecting natural landscapes and community rights.
In contrast, the Silent Majority Community Group voices support for the project, highlighting its anticipated economic benefits, including job creation and local development opportunities. They contend that the removal of cyanide from the extraction process assuaged many concerns within the community.
Dalradian emphasizes its adherence to rigorous environmental standards and mitigation measures, asserting its commitment to responsible practices throughout the project’s lifecycle. Despite differing perspectives within the community, all parties concur on the protracted nature of the planning process and express desires for a swift resolution.
As stakeholders await the outcome of the public inquiry and subsequent deliberations by the Department for Infrastructure, the debate over Dalradian’s gold mine project in Tyrone underscores the complex interplay between economic interests, environmental conservation, and community welfare.